License need not be surrendered

Just to let the readers know, in Illinois a motorist receiving a traffic citation does not automatically have to surrender his/her driver's license. You have the option of posting a bond card (usually obtained through your insurance carrier) or going with the ticketing officer back to the police station and posting a cash bond. This will allow you to keep your license while ensuring you appear in court. The bond card will also be used toward your fine and court costs.

People in Illinois are generally lazy and would rather just surrender their license than be inconvenienced by a ride to the station, or they don't know they have options to surrendering their license. Most don't have the bond card or cash so they post their license instead.

Drivers should just ask the ticketing officer if they could post something other than their license. You do have options other than giving up a very important piece of identification.

Karl A. Johnson

Bensenville